The President says that the increasing number of child abuse cases is a great concern

11 May: The President last night said that the increasing number of child abuse cases is a great concern. Speaking at a ceremony held at the Funadhoo School, he said that this yearâs theme for Childrenâs Day, âStop Abusing and Violating Childrenâs Rightsâ was an imperative one. He further said that children should not be subject to violence under any circumstances and that it was an issue of special importance. Speaking with the people of North Milandhunmadulu Atoll Funadhoo, the President stressed that children should be loved and cherished, and that they should be raised in an environment filled with love and care. He said that their pleasant upbringing would pave the way for a better future. In his speech, the President highlighted the theme for this yearâs International Family Day, âFathers and families: Responsibilities and Challengesâ. He said that each parent would face different challenges and that these difficulties could be overcome by the cooperation of both parents. He also noted the importance of improving family ties. The President said that the people of Funadhoo were friendly and accommodating, and expressed happiness that the island was conflict free despite its population mix of people originally from four different islands. Speaking at the ceremony, the Senior Island Chief, Mr. Ahmed Naseem also noted the excellent ties that exist among the people of the island. He said that the people of the island were much gladdened that the President and the First Lady and other members of the family had come to Funadhoo to participate the âFamily Eveningâ held to celebrate Childrenâs Day and International Family Day. The President and the First Lady met with the people of Funadhoo after the ceremony and enquired about their well-being.

The President meets with the people of North Miladhunmadulu Atoll Foakaidhoo

11 May: The President today met with the people of North Miladhunmadulu Atoll Foakaidhoo. He said that the island had achieved great progress in two of the main economic sectors of Maldives, namely fisheries and agriculture. He said that the youth of Foakaidhoo are very resourceful and innovative and expressed happiness that the island was completely free of narcotic drug abuse. He also noted their high regard for the Islamic faith. Speaking at the ceremony, the Senior Island Chief, Mr. Ali Nizar noted the progress the island had achieved during the Presidentâs tenure. He also highlighted the priority the President attaches to the development of the atolls. The President and the First Lady met with the people of Foakaidhoo after the ceremony and enquired about their well-being.

The President calls on the people to increase food production

11 May: The President today said that the scarcity of food was a global concern and that we should make an effort to increase our agricultural output. Speaking with the people of North Miladhunmadulu Atoll Feydhoo, the President said that we should be prepared to address the effects of rising prices and scarcity of foodstuff and that improving our agricultural sector was a high priority in this regard. He noted that Feydhoo was a very green island where agriculture was highly developed. Speaking at the ceremony, the North Miladhunmadulu Atoll Chief, Mr. Ahmed Gasim highlighted the progress Maldives and North Miladhunmadhulu Atoll in particular has achieved during the Presidentâs tenure. The Island Chief, Mr. Mohamed Shukuree also highlighted the developments the island has attained. The President and the First Lady were greeted upon their arrival at Feydhoo this evening by the people of the island, who presented a traditional item. A souvenir was also presented to the President by the people. After the ceremony, the President and the First Lady met with the people of the island and enquired about their well-being. The President and the First Lady concluded their two-day tour to some islands of North Miladhunmadulu Atoll and returned to Maleâ this evening.

Maldives Embassy to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is officially opened

12 May: The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was officially opened today. The Embassy was opened by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid. Speaking at the function Minister Shahid highlighted the long standing brotherly relations that existed between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. He expressed confidence that the opening of the Embassy would lead to further strengthening of the ties between the two countries. The Minister thanked the Government of Saudi Arabia for the assistance provided in establishing the Embassy. Minister Shahid stated that âwe proud to have a permanent resident diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia. We note with great respect and admiration the enormous strides the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken under the visionary and revered leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdulla bin Abdul Azeez al-Saud, in all aspects of development.â In his statement, Minister Shahid praised His Majesty King Abdulla, stating that â as the protector of the birth place of our noble religion, King Abdulla has been pivotal in promoting greater peace progress and prosperity within the greater Islamic ummah.â He also paid personal tribute to His Majesty King Abdulla for having the personal courage and leadership to call for greater interfaith dialogue between the adherents of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, in March this year. He noted that such an intervention âwould contribute immensely towards sending forth the true message of Islam as a religion of peace, moderation and modernity.â The Foreign Minister noted that Saudi Arabia is an important development partner of the Maldives and has been playing a key role in the socio-economic development of the Maldives. He thanked the Government of Saudi Arabia for the continued assistance provided by the Saudi Fund for Development in the areas of education and infrastructure development. The minister noted the increasing cooperation between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia not only bilaterally but also in the international arena, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1981. Minister Shahid conveyed his best wishes to H.E. Mr. Hussain Shihab, Ambassador of Maldives to Saudi Arabia and the staff of the Embassy for their diligent work in setting up the Embassy. The function was attended by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia H. E. Dr. Nizar Bin Obaid Madani, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives and Diplomatic correspondents residing in Saudi Arabia.

National team arrives after Malaysia tour

12 May: Maldives national team arrived Maleâ last night after their practice tour in Malaysia. National team left Maleâ on 1st of May and spent 10 days in Malaysia. During this period they played three friendly games of which won only one and drew the rest. Goals from Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) and Adam Lareef (Ronaldo) earned Maldivians a 3-1 wins over a âmixedâ team of Selangor. Then forced to come back from one goal down to level 1-1 in their two friendly games against Malaysian Premier League side KL Plus and their under 23 national team. It is yet unknown whether Maldives will play any friendly games in Maleâ before the upcoming SAFF championship, which will be co-hosted by Maldives and Sri Lanka. Maldives lie in group A with defending champions India, Pakistan and Nepal. In Group B lies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Bhutan and their matches will be played in Sugathadhasa Stadium, Colombo.

Foreign Minister delivers a letter from President Gayyoom to the Emir of Qatar

14 May: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid has delivered a letter from H. E. Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives addressed to the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa AI-Thani. The minister delivered the letter at a Call he paid on the Emir today. At the meeting, the Foreign Minister highlighted the close relations that exist between the Maldives and the State of Qatar, and discussed ways to further strengthen the ties.On behalf of the government, Minister Shahid also expressed gratitude to the government of Qatar for its continued assistance and support for the socio-economic development of the Maldives, especially assistance provided by the Government of Qatar in the aftermath of the Tsunami of 2004. The Foreign Minister briefed the Emir on the recovery and reconstruction efforts underway in the Maldives. The Minister thanked Qatar for their assistance in the establishment of the Madrasat Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani in Laamu Atoll. The Emir noted the development and progress achieved by the Maldives under the leadership of his Excellency President Gayoom. The meeting which took place at the Emir Palace was attended by H.E. Mr. Mohamed Shareef, Ambassador at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr.Ahmed Rasheed , Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and senior officials of the State of Qatar.

Maldives and Qatar Agree to Build Cooperation in Tourism

14 May: The Government of Maldives and the Government of Qatar today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the field tourism. During a ceremony held today at the Qatar Tourism and Exhibition Authority in Doha, the MOU was signed on behalf of the Maldives by the Minister of Foreign Affairs H. E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid and on behalf of Qatar by H.E. Mr. Ahmed Al- Nuaimi Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Exhibition Authority. The MOU is aimed at strengthening the friendly relations and mutual understanding that exist between the Maldives and Qatar particularly in field of tourism. The MOU stipulates for the two countries to create favorable conditions for the development of long-term cooperation in the field of tourism for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Such conditions, according to the MOU and as far as the national laws allow, may include encouraging the application of simple procedures for the citizens of both countries travelling between them for tourism purposes. It also aims at promoting and encouraging youth travel, exchange for information on tourism, culture, lifestyle and good understanding of both states. The MOU also gives way for the exchange of expertise regarding the organization, management and operation of tourism business, and shall assist each other in training their staff in the field of tourism.

The President attributes the overwhelming successes of the MNDF to the exemplary camaraderie within the Force

15 May: The President Last night attributed the overwhelming successes of the MNDF to the exemplary camaraderie within the Force. He made the statement in his speech at the function held last night to commemorate the 116th anniversary of the Armed Forces. The President highlighted the MNDFâs national duty of protecting the countryâs independence and sovereignty and the pride with which the Force faces up to its every challenge. âThe MNDF leads the ranks in defending the nations and discharges its duties with utmost dedication and commitment at all timesâ, he noted. He went on to emphasize that the MNDF also shouldered the responsibilities protecting the countryâs Constitution and safeguarding the people. He assured the MNDF of his firm commitment to the development of the Force, to ensure that they could continue to fulfil their important duties with the utmost professionalism and efficiency. Focusing on this yearâs motto, âUnity among ranks is the key to successâ, the President emphasized the importance of friendship and solidarity among members of the Force. He also called on the MNDF to maintain a single-minded purpose of victory. âToday, the youthful ranks of the MNDF can benefit greatly from the strong traditions of the countryâs armed forcesâ, the President said. âIt is a tried and tested formula for successâ, he added. The President was presented with âMNDF highest honor of exalted serviceâ award at last nightâs ceremony. The presentation was made following a video presentation on President Gayoomâs service for the development of the MNDF. The President was also presented with a copy of the publication issued by the MNDF, titled âProgress of the Maldivian Armed Forcesâ. The presentations were made by the Chief of Defense Force, Major General Mohamed Zahir. In his welcome speech at last nightâs meeting, the Minister of Defense and National Security and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ismail Shafeeu, spoke on the progress and development the Armed Forces has achieved and noted the close attention the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces continues to attach for the improvement of the Armed Forces. At last nightâs meeting, the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, presented commemorative plaques to recipients. The commemorative shields were presented to recipients by the Minister of Defense and National Security and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ismail Shafeeu and the Chief of Defense Force, Major General Mohamed Zahir. At last nightâs function, a march-past was also held and drills and entertainment items were performed.

âThe entire nation is indebted to all those who had to retire from the Government following the enforcement of the Maldivesâ Civil Service Actâ, says the President

16 May: The President last night said that the Government and people of Maldives were indebted to all those who had to retire from the Government following the enforcement of the Maldivesâ Civil Service Act. Speaking at the function held last night at Dharubaaruge for the President to meet with all those who had to retire from the Government from 1st of this month, the President paid tribute to all the retirees for their sincere and valuable services that they had rendered to the country and the people. âServing the Government is serving the people, and serving the people is a service to the entire nationâ, he said. The President said that it was very unfortunate that so many hard working Government employees were forced into retirement under the Civil Service Act without adequate notice. âMost of you have spent the vast majority of your life serving the Government with the utmost sincerity and loyalty, and the tremendous change brought about by the sudden retirement is certain to bring with it deep emotions of sorrow and emptinessâ, the President highlighted. âThe reason why I want to meet you personally was to extend my deep sympathy to all of you, and to assure you, as President I will continue to work for your welfare and well-beingâ, the President said. At last nightâs function, plaques of honor were presented to all the retirees who had served the Government for over 50 years. The Presentations were made by President Gayoom. Speaking on behalf of all retirees, Mr. Saikuraa Ibrahim Naeem emphasized the priority the Government continues to attach to long serving and experienced Government employees. At last nightâs function, the President personally met with the retirees and thanked them for their service and inquired about their well-being. The Government has also decided to present a Certificate of Appreciation to all those who had retired under the Maldivesâ Civil Service Act.